I was opposed to watching any films made before 1980 until a few months ago when I realized that the classics are chock full of stunning fashion and architecture. Not only can I fill in references that I've been missing my whole life, but now I can understand more about the history of fashion by watching these films. So far the fashion has been so amazing that I can barely even pay attention to the storyline...I just want to pause the movie to zoom in different pieces.

Last weekend I watched Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window and am obsessed with everything Grace Kelly wore...even though it was maybe only a total of five outfits (I embarrassingly have to admit that this is my first Grace Kelly movie).

I love the tiny briefcase-inspired handbag (see above) that poufs up with flouncy lingerie when she pops it open, the below-the-knee full skirts that have become completely modern and fashionable again, and the pearl charm bracelet that I would just love to see up close to see what those chunky charms are.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Last summer I searched everywhere for a simple pair of wide strap platform wedge sandals...you really wouldn't think that it would be that hard to find...there's just so stylish and flattering and comfortable! But I couldn't find what I envisioned anywhere. Very frustrating.

But lucky for me, the platform wide strap sandal is popping up everywhere this season! I was ecstatic to spot the negative space wedges at Anthropologie, but now I'm spotting similarly lovely styles everywhere...

Now I just have to decide which design I like best...so many amazing variations...

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Since I've always been obsessed with Converse Jack Purcells, I'm excited about the new Converse X Marimekko collaboration. Although reports said the shoes wouldn't be out 'til spring, it looks a couple of the designs are already available on the Converse website...

If you're not already familiar with the Finnish textile manufacturer known for their brightly colored '60s graphic patterns, here are a couple more desirable Marimekkos....

Thursday, February 3, 2011

I just got re- digital permed last weekend and it reminded me that I need to share my favorite styling products with the rest of the permed hair world. I've tried tons of different products from drugstore brands to special curly hair salon brands and here are my favorites and how to use them...

(A reminder: I can only vouch for how these work with permed hair since I naturally have stubbornly straight Asian hair and would never have even though I would be in the market for specifically curly-haired products until this life-changing digital perm was invented)

Moroccanoil Intense Curl Cream$31.99 at a local salon

There are so many fancy curly hair products on shelves these days, but the Moroccanoil has given me the best results when air drying. One of the annoying things about the digital perm was that I felt like I always had to blowdry in that special twisty way if I wanted curls. With the Moroccanoil Curl Cream I just apply like leave-in conditioner after towel drying, scrunch scrunch scrunch, and air dry (continuing to scrunch while it is drying). It dries to look like naturally wavy hair, which is a great everyday option when I don't feel like making those perfect bouncy waves. There also seems to be some sort of ingredient in the Moroccanoil that makes my hair dry faster.

The only downside is that, even though it says it is a leave-in conditioner, I do feel like it dries my hair out if I use it a lot. I just got the the Original Moroccanoil Treatment, which is supposed to completely hydrate your hair...so maybe they are supposed to be used together to avoid drying your hair out (either a marketing scheme or the best way to have great hair).

Fiber wax(like Nigelle Lafusion Contrastmove Wax)

Whether I completely blow dry or just loosely dry a little, the key to keeping my curls from frizzing is to use a fiber wax. Don't ever use the regular greasy wax that men use! The fiber wax will hold the curls together so you can have big clumps of curls (I usually divide my hair into six sections of curls) instead of tons of separate curls that can get frizzy. Make sure to use the wax at the bottom tips of the hair to shape the curls.

I started using the Nigelle Lafusion wax because my hair stylist in Japan recommended it, but I think it's pretty difficult to find in the U.S. I think that Shieseido makes a fiber wax, but you can always just ask your hair stylist to recommend something similar.

From what I've found, the salon products are significantly more expensive, but they do a much better job than the drugstore brands.

This is my report for now, but I'm always continuing to try out new products. And I'm still on the hunt for the best conditioner....let me know if you have any recs!

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

On this week's Gossip Girl (am I the only adult who still watches this show?) the always fashion forward (though usually inappropriately under-covered) Serena van der Woodsen was wearing this gorgeous sheer D&G blouse with a delicate snowflake fair isle pattern. If you love it, I just found the blouse on sale at D&G online.

If you can rock the Carrie Bradshaw black bra look under this blouse then that's pretty awesome, but there's also a lot of more real-life ensembles that this could fit into with a black cami underneath. Mostly I've seen the fair isle used with thick knits, so I love the contrast of the traditional cozy sweater pattern with the delicate feminine blouse...so very D&G.

Unfortunately the accompanying fur bloomers didn't make it on the show.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

I was shocked when my friend sent me these Faryl Robin wedges from Nordstrom that are strikingly similar to the negative space wedges that I posted about yesterday...down to the little red stitches at the ankle and the front strap that wraps around the platform!

I've only barely started thinking about spring fashion, but I've just decided that these are the first shoes that have me dreaming about springtime...I got an Anthropologie catalogue in the mail today and it was love at first sight...these are the first on my list!